US | Expanded Premium Processing for Certain Student Visa Holders
On Monday, USCIS expanded premium processing services for certain F-1 student visa holders seeking optional practical training who have employment authorization applications
Read More »US | New H-2A Rule Sets Higher Wage Standards
On February 28, the DOL published a new rule to restore how wages are calculated for H-2A agricultural guest workers. The new rule is expected to increase the required wage,
Read More »US | Biden Nominates Julie Su To Serve As Secretary of Labor
On February 28, President Biden announced his nomination of Deputy Labor Secretary Julie Su to lead the department after the expected departure of Labor Secretary Marty Walsh
Read More »US | EB-5 Integrity Fund Begins
As of March 2, EB-5 regional centers must pay a fee to support the new EB-5 Integrity Fund, which will pay for fraud and criminal investigations as well as program
Read More »US | New Guidance On O-1B Applications
USCIS issued new policy guidance, effective immediately, on evidence to be submitted for O-1B applications for nonimmigrants with extraordinary abilities in the arts or
Read More »USCIS Reaches H-2B Cap for Second Half of FY 2023
The USCIS has received enough petitions to meet the H-2B cap for the second half of fiscal year (FY) 2023 and announced the filing dates for supplemental H-2B visas for the
Read More »US | Updated Guidance on Foreign Student Work Authorization
On February 22, USCIS issued policy guidance to clarify the period of work authorization for F-1 nonimmigrant students experiencing severe economic hardship due to emergent
Read More »US | Fee Rule Comment Period Extended
In January, the Department of Homeland Security released the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Fee Schedule and Changes to Certain Other Immigration Benefit Request
Read More »USCIS Clarifies Occupations Eligible For H-1B Visas
USCIS recently updated its website regarding the general requirements for H-1B eligibility. Among other requirements, the USCIS defines a specialty occupation as one that
Read More »US | Passport Processing Times Increase
The U.S. State Department announced increased wait times for U.S. Passport processing. The official processing time estimates are: Routine 8 to 11 weeks Expedited 5 to 7
Read More »US | Biden Administration Proposes New Asylum Rule
On Tuesday, February 21, the Biden administration proposed a new temporary rule that would limit asylum eligibility for migrants who arrive in the United States without the
Read More »USCIS Updates Child Status Protection Act Policy
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services has updated the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) policy to allow children and young adults with a dependent visa to lock in
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